CFO (Chief Financial Officer):

  • Sets overall financial direction and strategy
  • Interfaces with board, investors, and external stakeholders
  • Makes high-level strategic decisions on capital structure, M&A, growth initiatives

VP of Finance:

  • Executes CFO’s strategic vision
  • Manages financial planning & analysis (FP&A) functions
  • Deep accounting background with leadership skills
  • Often promoted into CFO role

Controller:

  • Manages day-to-day accounting operations
  • Ensures financial accuracy and compliance
  • Oversees accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger
  • Produces financial statements and reports